Kei na fiafia
This is a type of dance song from Tokelau called "fatele". The verses speed up with each repetition.
Kei na fiafia
Enjoy
Traditional Song
Traditional Song
(Tokelauan)
(English)
Kei na fiafia...
Kua oko mai te aho o Tokelau...
Fiafia ia loto uma...
Ta ta la la la, ta ta la la la (chi!)
Ta ta la la la, ta ta la la la (chi!)
Ta la la la...
Enjoy*...
The day has arrived on Tokelau
Every one wants to enjoy it.
Ta ta la la la, ta ta la la la (chi!)
Ta ta la la la, ta ta la la la (chi!)
Ta la la la...
Notes
*Fiafia means "enjoy" in Tokelauan. According to Wikipedia, there's another meaning: "The venue, which is popular for holding music and dance performances, is known as fiafia or festival held at the meeting house where villagers congregate and the music groups arrange themselves according to their village affiliation known as faitu (sides or halves). The performances are held in an atmosphere of fun and humor and are conducted till the elders in the group order it be stopped."
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sheet Music
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Illustrated and translated by Lisa Yannucci.
Kalani Ofahe'egata Mose wrote, "Hi Lisa, I just wanted to reach back to you and say I love the presentation on the website! The translation is correct, thank you for promoting our Pacific Island brothers and sisters out there to the world!"
Fakafetai!